19 Recipe For Italian Beef Ragu You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Italian beef ragu is a classic and hearty dish that originated in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. This rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce is slow-cooked with beef, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with pasta or polenta. While there are many variations of this beloved dish, the following recipe breaks down the traditional method of making Italian beef ragu in a simple and easy-to-follow way. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Italian dish.
Main Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles, Olive Oil, Ground Round, Peppercorns
If you love lasagna but want a fun twist on the classic dish, try making lasagna cupcakes! These individual servings are perfect for parties or for a quick and easy dinner. Plus, you can make them two different ways to please everyone’s taste buds.
The first way is a traditional lasagna cupcake with layers of rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. The second way is a vegetarian option with fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers in place of the ground beef. Both versions are equally delicious and easy to make.
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Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Carrot, White Onion, Celery, Beef Mince, Pork Mince
Ragu is a classic Italian meat sauce that is perfect for topping pasta, polenta, or even using as a sandwich filling. This recipe for Italian Beef Ragu takes it to the next level by slow cooking the beef chuck roast in a flavorful tomato and red wine sauce. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for any Italian dish.
Pro tip: Make a big batch of this ragu and freeze it for later use. It’s a great time saver for busy weeknights.
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Italian Goulash
Main Ingredients: Ragu, Ground Beef, Elbow Macaroni, Grated Parmesan
If you’re a fan of goulash, you’ll love this Italian twist on the classic dish. This recipe for Italian Goulash combines ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and Italian seasoning for a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping for the week.
Pro tip: Use a combination of different pastas, such as penne, rotini, and bowtie, to give this goulash a unique texture.
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Pappardelle with Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Roast, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh
If you have some leftover Italian Beef Ragu, try using it to make this delicious pasta dish. Pappardelle, a long and flat pasta, pairs perfectly with the rich and meaty ragu sauce. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions and toss it with the ragu for a simple and satisfying meal.
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Crock Pot Rustic Italian Beef Ragu
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Fresh Rosemary, Red Onion
For a hands-off approach to making Italian Beef Ragu, try cooking it in a crock pot. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours. The result is a tender and flavorful beef ragu that is perfect for topping pasta or using as a filling for sandwiches.
Pro tip: Serve this ragu over creamy polenta for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Baked Rigatoni with Brisket Ragu and Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Olive
Baked rigatoni is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe takes it to the next level by using brisket ragu as the base of the sauce. The addition of ricotta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. Top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Sartù di riso (Neapolitan Rice Timbale)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Red Wine
Sartù di riso, also known as Neapolitan rice timbale, is a traditional Italian dish that is perfect for special occasions. It’s a layered dish made with rice, meat, vegetables, and cheese. The dish is assembled in a round mold and then baked until golden and crispy. It’s a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Pro tip: Use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for the meat layer to add extra flavor to the dish.
No Italian feast is complete without a plate of meatballs. This recipe for Italian Meatballs combines ground beef, pork, and veal for the perfect mix of flavors. They are then simmered in a rich marinara sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks or top them on spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
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Instant Pot Italian Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
Using an Instant Pot is a great way to make a quick and easy Italian Beef Ragu. Simply sauté the beef chuck roast and then add in the rest of the ingredients. Pressure cook for just 45 minutes and you’ll have a flavorful and tender ragu that is perfect for topping pasta or using as a filling for sandwiches.
Pro tip: Use a mix of diced carrots, celery, and onion for added flavor and texture in this ragu.
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Italian Cheese Steak French Bread Pizza
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Chuck Steak, Ragu, Cheese
If you love cheese steak sandwiches, you’ll love this Italian twist on a classic pizza. This recipe uses thinly sliced beef and Italian seasoning for the filling, and tops it off with provolone cheese. The result is a flavorful and cheesy pizza that is perfect for movie nights or game day.
Pro tip: Add some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the pizza for extra flavor and texture.
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Italian Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Onions
If you’re looking for a lighter Italian dish, try this recipe for Italian Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles. Instead of traditional pasta, this dish uses zucchini noodles or “zoodles” as the base. The shrimp is cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce and then tossed with the zoodles for a healthy and delicious meal.
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Beef Ragu Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Ragu, Lasagna Noodles, Ricotta Cheese, Sea Salt, Dried
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe for Beef Ragu Lasagna takes it to the next level by using beef ragu as the filling instead of a traditional meat sauce. The result is a rich and flavorful lasagna that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Lasagna Soup
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Small Yellow Onion, Green Bell
If you love lasagna but don’t want to spend hours assembling and baking it, try making this delicious Lasagna Soup. It has all the flavors of traditional lasagna, but in a comforting and hearty soup form. It’s perfect for chilly nights or for a quick and easy dinner.
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Easy Lasagna Soup
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ragu, Pasta Sauce
This recipe for Easy Lasagna Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It uses ground beef, pasta, and marinara sauce for a quick and flavorful meal. Top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
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Spaghetti and Meatballs with Fresh Garden Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Italian Seasoned Dry Bread
This recipe for Spaghetti and Meatballs with Fresh Garden Vegetables is a great way to incorporate fresh summer vegetables into your Italian dishes. The meatballs are made with a mix of ground beef and pork, and the addition of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
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Easy Homemade Lasagna With Meat Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Lean Ground Beef, Mozzarella Cheese
If you’re craving homemade lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, try making this Easy Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce. This recipe uses store-bought marinara sauce and no-boil lasagna noodles to make assembly a breeze. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
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Quick Pasta e Fagioli
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Salt, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pasta e Fagioli, or pasta and beans, is a classic Italian soup that is hearty and delicious. This recipe for Quick Pasta e Fagioli is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without a lot of effort. The soup is made with ground beef, cannellini beans, and tomato sauce for a flavorful and filling dish.
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Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Green Peppers, Spaghetti, Lean Ground Beef, Onion
For a fun and creative twist on traditional lasagna, try making these Lasagna Stuffed Peppers. Instead of using noodles, the filling is made with a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, and ricotta cheese. The peppers are then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta & Italian Sausage Bake
Main Ingredients: Bowtie Pasta, Mild Italian Sausage, Onion, Ragu, Grated
This recipe for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta & Italian Sausage Bake is a great way to use up leftover Italian sausage. The pasta is baked in a cheesy and creamy marinara sauce with chunks of sliced Italian sausage. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Italian Quinoa Skillet Meal
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Water, Ragu, Mozzarella Cheese, Prosciutto
For a healthier twist on classic Italian dishes, try making this Italian Quinoa Skillet Meal. Quinoa is cooked in a tomato and beef broth and then mixed with ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious Italian beef ragu, using high-quality ingredients is key. The star of this dish is the beef, so it's important to choose a cut that is well-marbled and tender. Some great options include chuck roast, beef shank, or beef short ribs. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and will result in a tender and flavorful ragu. Additionally, using fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Opt for fresh basil, thyme, and oregano as well as ripe tomatoes and garlic for the best results.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
One of the key elements of making a delicious Italian beef ragu is patience. This dish requires several hours of slow cooking in order for the flavors to fully develop and the beef to become tender. This also allows for the sauce to thicken and become rich and hearty. It's important to stir the sauce occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Trust us, the wait will be worth it.
Make it Your Own
While this recipe provides a traditional method for making Italian beef ragu, feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. Some popular additions include red wine for added depth of flavor, mushrooms for a meaty texture, or anchovies for a salty kick. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as pappardelle or rigatoni, to find your perfect pairing.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making a delicious Italian beef ragu, it's time to put them into action. Follow the recipe and add your own personal touch to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Buon appetito!
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